Christianity
‘Year without God’ pastor: Why I’m no longer a believer
By Chris Stedman — December 29, 2014
Ryan Bell—the Christian pastor who spent 2014 living as an atheist—is ready for his big reveal. Bell tells RNS how he came to his decision and what it will mean to him and his loved ones.
The ‘War on Christmas’ is actually a war on atheist voices
By Chris Stedman — December 24, 2014
If I was basing my impression on what I see reported on by Fox News and other networks, I would not think that less than 15 percent of atheists are anti-theists. In fact, I would assume the opposite.
Why transgender issues are Humanist issues
By Chris Stedman — November 28, 2014
Two of the core principles of Humanism are the value of the individual and rational, evidenced-based thinking. Our culture is failing miserably at both when it comes to the transgender community—which is why Humanist voices are greatly needed.
Is religious freedom really the answer to radicalism?
By Chris Stedman — November 14, 2014
True religious freedom won’t be accomplished by platitudes. It requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that’s all too often missing from the field.
Hobby Lobby take two? Moody encourages witnessing at work
By Chris Stedman — October 29, 2014
The Supreme Court's ruling in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell places Moody Theological Seminary's "Faith, Work and Economics Initiative" in a new and more troubling context.
Jeremy Messersmith wears his atheist heart on his sleeve
By Chris Stedman — October 20, 2014
Atheist musician Jeremy Messersmith tells RNS how his experiences as a former Christian inspired his most recent album, what he believes now, and why relating to his religious family can feel like going to a Renaissance Festival.
Joni Eareckson Tada is wrong about Brittany Maynard’s decision to die
By Chris Stedman — October 17, 2014
In Joni Eareckson Tada's world, the real tragedy isn’t that Brittany Maynard is terminally ill. It’s that she’s chosen to manage her suffering in a way Tada finds personally offensive.
Atheists tweet more often than Muslims, Jews, Christians, study shows
By Kimberly Winston — October 3, 2014
(RNS) A new study of Twitter finds that atheists -- among the smallest populations in the U.S. -- are the most prolific tweeters.
Atheists want you to sit down for the Pledge of Allegiance
By Kimberly Winston — September 9, 2014
(RNS) A new campaign from the American Humanist Association wants people to sit down and shut up when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
God at Nuremberg: How an American pastor came to comfort Nazis
By Kimberly Winston — August 22, 2014
(RNS) How did a quiet American pastor come to be the spiritual care-giver of Nazi war criminals? A new book, "Mission at Nuremberg," dusts off an overlooked corner of World War II history.
Philip Pullman: Atheists can learn from Jesus without believing he was the son of God
By Chris Stedman — August 4, 2014
World Humanist Congress speaker and "His Dark Materials" author Philip Pullman talks with RNS about atheism, Humanist funerals, and what atheists can learn from Jesus.
Atheists are disliked — but new data shows interfaith dialogue can help
By Chris Stedman — July 21, 2014
Atheists are rightfully concerned about stigma. Pew's latest poll is evidence that we've got some ground to cover before we're socially accepted—and we should consider interfaith dialogue as a means of doing so.
World War I at 100: New books examine the battle of beliefs behind the ‘Great War’
By Kimberly Winston — July 18, 2014
(RNS) “If you do not understand the messianic and apocalyptic imagery used by all sides, and how wide-ranging those images were among all classes, all groups, all nations, you cannot hope to understand the war," scholar Philip Jenkins says.
From fundamentalist to ‘faitheist’: Meet Sarah Jones
By Chris Stedman — July 17, 2014
We speak with Sarah Jones, who will be guest writing for Chris Stedman over the next two weeks, about feminism, atheism, and why she calls herself a 'faitheist.'
Can atheist and theist family members get along?
By Chris Stedman — July 3, 2014
'Understanding an Atheist' author Kevin Davis shares his advice for atheists and theists struggling to relate to family members with different beliefs.
